The Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, on Tuesday issued a congratulatory message to women on the occasion of International Women's Day.

"Our country is facing difficulties today, the severe consequences of the [44-day Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war [in the fall of 2020] have not been overcome yet, and many worries have been placed on the shoulders of [Armenian] women who are committed to their mission—with patience, zeal, and courage.

Dear mothers, sisters and daughters, (…) it is also through your efforts that the current hardships shall be overcome and the hope for the future be strengthened," the message reads, in particular.